Solar energy and solar water heating in Lancashire
Solar water heating systems use free heat from the sun to warm domestic hot water. A conventional boiler or immersion heater is then used to make the water hotter, or to provide hot water when it's night or when the suns rays are not strong enough.
Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors, fitted to your roof. These collect heat from the sun and use it to warm water which is stored in a hot water cylinder.
A boiler or immersion heater can be used as a back up to heat the water further to reach the temperature set by the cylinders thermostat when the solar water heating system does not reach that temperature. You can even get a grant.
The benefits of solar water heating
- Hot water throughout the year
The system works all year round, though you'll need to heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months. - Cut your bills
Sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your hot water costs will be reduced. - Cut your carbon footprint
Solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and doesn't release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants
You'll need around 5 square metres of roof space which faces east to west through south and receives direct sunlight for the main part of the day. Alternatively, if you do not have a south facing roof and if you have space, you could install two panels, one facing east and one facing west, but this will make installation more costly. The panels don't always have to be mounted on a roof, they can be fixed to a frame on flat roofs.
Solar energy and solar water heating systems should only really be considered after the 'more fundamental' energy saving measures have taken place (loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing, an efficient boiler). As an example, loft insulation with some grant aid will payback within a year. Solar energy and solar water heating systems are more expensive and have longer payback times. However the running costs are virtually nil. IQ Energy will give you expert advice on choosing a a solar energy and solar water heating systems that suits your current and long term energy needs.
Ribble Valley Renewable Energy Scheme
The Ribble Valley scheme allows solar energy and solar water heating system grants of up to £1,500 to households that pay their Council Tax to Ribble Valley Borough Council. You must be in bands A-F and have full loft and cavity insulation in place. You must also not have a natural gas supply to your property. For information about this scheme and solar power in the Ribble Valley, please contact John Barber at Ribble Valley Borough Council on: 01200 413235.
